Deula

Simplified schema of a Kalinga architecture temple

A deula is a shrine in an Odishan temple in India.^[1]

Etymology

The word "deula" in Oriya language means a building structure built with a particular style that is seen in most of the temples from Odisha. Some times the whole temple is called Deula. There are three types of Deulas:^[2]

Rekha Deula

Lingaraja temple, example of a "shikhara deula".

Rekha in Oriya means a straight line. It is a tall building with a shape of sugar loaf, looking like a Shikhara. It covers and protects the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). Examples :

• The Shikhara of the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar
• The Shikhara of the Jagannath temple in Puri.
• Jagannath Temple in Nayagarh, Orissa
• Uttaresvara Siva Temple in Bhubaneswar
• The Shikhara of Yameshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar

Pidha Deula

Konark Sun Temple, example of a "pitha deula".

It is a square building with a pyramid-shaped roof, like the vimanas. For the halls or service rooms of the temple. Examples

• The jaga mohan (assembly hall) of the Sun temple in Konârak
• The jaga mohan of Yameshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar
• Digambara Jaina Temple, Khandagiri in Bhubaneswar

Khakhara deula

Baitala Deula example of a "khakara deula".

Khakara deula is a rectangular building with a truncated pyramid-shaped roof, like the gopuras. The name comes from Khakharu (=canteen (bottle)) because of the shape of the roof. The temples of the feminine deities as Shakti are temple of that type. Examples :

• Baitala Deula, Bhubaneswar (dedicated to Chamunda)
• Varahi Deula, Chaurasi, Puri district (dedicated to Varahi)
• Brahmi temple, Chaurasi
• Kedar Gouri, Bhubaneswar
• Narayani Temple, Khalikote (dedicated to Durga)
• Durga Temple, Banki

References

External links

• http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/nov2005/engpdf/Orissan_Temple_Architecture.pdf
• http://www.indoarch.org/arch_glossary.php